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INCOME TAX CODES

Income Tax Business & Profession Code Finder

Find the correct income tax business or profession code for ITR filing and Schedule BP compliance.

What is Income Tax Business Code?

The income tax business or profession code indicates the nature of your business or profession. It is mandatory to mention this code in your ITR (Income Tax Return) filing as per the Income Tax Department guidelines. The code helps in proper classification of your income source for tax computation and record-keeping.

Required for ITR

Mandatory field in income tax return

Income classification

Determines income type and reporting

Search Income Tax Business Code

📋 Important Notes

  • ✓ Use the code that best describes your primary income source
  • ✓ Different codes for different professions (e.g., doctor, architect, lawyer)
  • ✓ Business codes differ from profession codes
  • ✓ Correct classification ensures proper tax assessment
  • ✓ Changes to business type require code update in subsequent ITRs

💡 Common Categories

  • 🏥 Medical & Healthcare Professions
  • ⚖️ Legal & Advocate Professions
  • 🏗️ Engineering & Architecture
  • 💼 Business & Trade Activities
  • 🎓 Education & Teaching Services
  • 🖥️ IT & Software Services
  • 📊 Consultancy Services

Confused About Your Business Code?

Our tax experts can help you identify the correct business code for your ITR filing and ensure compliance with income tax regulations.

Business & Profession Codes by Category

🏥 Medical Profession

  • • Doctor/Physician: 003
  • • Dental: 003
  • • Veterinary: 003
  • • Physiotherapy: 003
  • • Nursing Services: 003

⚖️ Legal Profession

  • • Advocate/Lawyer: 004
  • • Legal Consultant: 004
  • • Notary: 004
  • • Patent Attorney: 004
  • • Legal Advisor: 004

🏗️ Engineering & Architecture

  • • Civil Engineer: 002
  • • Architect: 002
  • • Structural Engineer: 002
  • • Mechanical Engineer: 002
  • • Design Consultant: 002

💼 Finance & Accounting

  • • Accountant: 001
  • • Chartered Accountant: 001
  • • Cost Accountant: 001
  • • Tax Consultant: 001
  • • Bookkeeper: 001

🖥️ IT & Technology

  • • Software Developer: 005
  • • IT Consultant: 005
  • • Web Developer: 005
  • • IT Services: 005
  • • Tech Startup: 005

🏢 Business & Trade

  • • Retail Trade: 006
  • • Manufacturing: 007
  • • Import/Export: 008
  • • Import-Export Merchant: 008
  • • Other Trade: 009

How to Use Business Code in ITR Filing?

1

Identify Your Business Type

Determine which category best describes your primary source of income or profession.

2

Find the Corresponding Code

Use the code list to find the numeric code assigned to your business/profession category.

3

Enter in ITR Form

Fill the business code field in your ITR form during filing. This is typically found in Schedule BP.

4

Update When Needed

If you change your profession or business, update the code in your next ITR filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is business code in ITR filing?
Business code is a specific numeric code that indicates the nature of your business or profession. It is mandatory to mention this code while filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) in Schedule BP (Business and Profession).
Where do I enter business code in ITR form?
Business code is entered in Schedule BP (Business and Profession) of your ITR form. You need to select the appropriate code that best describes your primary business activity or profession.
Can I use multiple business codes in one ITR?
Yes, if you have multiple sources of business income with different nature of activities, you can mention different business codes for each business separately in Schedule BP.
What happens if I select wrong business code?
Selecting wrong business code may lead to incorrect classification of your income, potential scrutiny from tax department, and may require filing revised return. Always choose the code that best matches your primary business activity.
Is business code same as profession code?
Business codes and profession codes are part of the same classification system but represent different categories. Profession codes (like doctor, lawyer, CA) indicate professional services, while business codes represent trade and commercial activities.
What is the business code for retail shop?
Retail trade businesses generally use code 006. However, the specific code may vary based on the type of retail activity. Check the complete business code list for your specific retail category.
Do I need business code for salary income?
No, business code is only required if you have income from business or profession (Schedule BP). Salary income is reported separately and does not require a business code.
What is the code for freelance consultants?
Freelance consultants typically use code 005 for consultancy business. If the consultancy is in a specific professional domain (like legal, accounting, IT), you may need to use the appropriate professional service code.
Can I change business code in subsequent years?
Yes, if your primary business activity changes, you should update the business code in subsequent ITR filings to reflect the current nature of your business. However, frequent changes may attract scrutiny.
What is the business code for online business/e-commerce?
Online retail/e-commerce businesses can use relevant retail or wholesale trade codes based on their business model. For marketplace services, consultancy or IT service codes may be appropriate depending on the actual business nature.
Is business code mandatory for all taxpayers?
Business code is mandatory only for taxpayers who have income from business or profession and are filing ITR forms that include Schedule BP (like ITR-3, ITR-4). It is not required for salaried individuals filing ITR-1 or ITR-2.
What is the difference between NIC code and business code?
NIC (National Industrial Classification) code is used for MSME registration and GST, while business code is specific to ITR filing. They serve different purposes though both classify business activities. NIC codes are more detailed (4-6 digits) compared to business codes.